VIVIENNE TAM DEBUTS AW24 COLLECTION AT PARIS FASHION WEEK
MARKING 30 YEARS OF FASHION AND CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF
FRANCO-CHINESE DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
FALL / WINTER 2024
AMOUR 愛
Paris might be regarded as the global capital of fashion, but it also holds personal sentiment for Vivienne Tam, who fell in love in this romantic city 30 years ago. Tam’s debut at Paris Fashion Week is an ode to that love, as well as her label’s 30th anniversary and a symbolic celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between China and France.
This season presents a vision of neo-modern Chinese beauty and craftsmanship but is also a powerful message of unity and mutual respect. In a world often divided by differences, Tam reminds us of the beauty that arises when we embrace diversity and come together in harmony.
The mythical Dragon, this Lunar New Year zodiac, is a symbol of power and transformation. Tam’s dragon motifs soar as a bridge of love connecting China’s rich heritage and the romantic elegance of France.
She weaves together a tapestry of the five traditional elements: fire, wood, water, metal and earth, evoking peace and balance informed by Chinese tradition.
The vibrant print of five dragons from the renowned artist Shu Tong, known as the pioneer of "color brushwork reflects the unique characteristics and harmonious relationships of these elements.
Endless love is symbolized by the introduction of her “love lace”, created by combining the Chinese word for love 愛 and the French translation Amour into one lace pattern. Upcycled fabrics from exquisite wedding dresses push forth Tam’s sustainability initiative through recycling embroidered fabrics to give them a new life in bridal gowns.
The lineup features a mix of tailored suits, flowing dresses, and oversized outerwear, each piece telling its own story of cultural discovery: eastern patterns are paired with French tailoring. Mud silk in brown hues pays homage to the ancient material techniques of Southern China, exuding an earthy essence.
The collection reimagines the traditional qipao, Qing Dynasty-inspired silhouettes featuring wide sleeves and side closures, then modernized. Denim jacquards introduce a contemporary edge, while magenta velvets inject a playful sense of fun and whimsy.
The fabrics reflect a theme of cultural fusion, with luxurious silks, textured wools, and artisanal embroideries creating a tactile narrative that invites touch and exploration. The incorporation of sustainable materials and traditional handcraft techniques further underscores Tam's commitment to environmentally conscious design and the preservation of heritage crafts.
Vivienne Tam takes the stunning, handcrafted art of Pankou(盤扣), a traditional Chinese button closure, and gives it a modern twist. These beautiful buttons, once used on qipao, are now featured in Tam's designs, keep this historic craftwork alive in a fresh way.
At the heart of Tam's collection lies the concept of "Cultural Harmony," a theme that captures her vision of a world where diverse traditions coalesce into a unified aesthetic. This collection is a reminder of the cultural distances we’ve bridged and the mystiques we are still unwrapping.
3 мар 2024
